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    Miles Quance's Avatar
    Miles Quance Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 10, 2007, 03:04 PM
    240v Electrical circuit testing
    I have replaced a celling light in my kitchen. The replacement light has a stainless steel casing, however the wiring circuit in the house has no earth at the celing, so I have not connected an earth. It has 2x black wires , 2x red wires ( switching & connected together ) & 1x black wire with a red stripe ( live ) I have connected these as required & the light functions as intended. I have an electrical testing screw driver ( type 140 . 220-240 volts ) which I have used to test the casing of the light. When I do the indicator lights very dimley. The parts are fine to touch. Why is this ? What does the tester indicate? What should I do? I have inspected the wiring again & found no problems. All of the wires in the casing are single insulated. Can anyone explain or offer any help please.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Jan 10, 2007, 03:34 PM
    I am guessing you are located in the UK or some exotic place like that, by the 240 volt wiring and the word "earth".

    The indicator light may be dim because it is close to the hot wires inside the metal housing. Best to be sure there is no short by using a volt meter with test leads. You will need to make one lead long enough using some scrap wire so that one lead can reach a grounded( Earthed,) surface, such as a water faucet, sink, water pipe, or a earth terminal on a receptacle.

    Measure the volts across the fixture metal frame and earth, and you should find close to zero volts. If there is any significant volts, 30 or more, then there is a short to the metal frame.
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